EP3494890A2 - Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors - Google Patents
Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3494890A2 EP3494890A2 EP18203695.4A EP18203695A EP3494890A2 EP 3494890 A2 EP3494890 A2 EP 3494890A2 EP 18203695 A EP18203695 A EP 18203695A EP 3494890 A2 EP3494890 A2 EP 3494890A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- detector
- radiation
- patient
- source
- imaging device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/02—Devices for diagnosis sequentially in different planes; Stereoscopic radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/03—Computerised tomographs
- A61B6/032—Transmission computed tomography [CT]
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/04—Positioning of patients; Tiltable beds or the like
- A61B6/0407—Supports, e.g. tables or beds, for the body or parts of the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/40—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for generating radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/4064—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for generating radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis specially adapted for producing a particular type of beam
- A61B6/4078—Fan-beams
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/42—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/4208—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis characterised by using a particular type of detector
- A61B6/4233—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis characterised by using a particular type of detector using matrix detectors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/4405—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis the apparatus being movable or portable, e.g. handheld or mounted on a trolley
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/54—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/54—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/547—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis involving tracking of position of the device or parts of the device
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/58—Testing, adjusting or calibrating apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/589—Setting distance between source unit and patient
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/06—Diaphragms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/08—Auxiliary means for directing the radiation beam to a particular spot, e.g. using light beams
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/40—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for generating radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/4035—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for generating radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis the source being combined with a filter or grating
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/42—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/4208—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment with arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis characterised by using a particular type of detector
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/4423—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to hygiene or sterilisation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/52—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/5258—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for radiation diagnosis involving detection or reduction of artifacts or noise
- A61B6/5264—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for radiation diagnosis involving detection or reduction of artifacts or noise due to motion
- A61B6/5276—Devices using data or image processing specially adapted for radiation diagnosis involving detection or reduction of artifacts or noise due to motion involving measuring table sag
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/54—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/542—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis involving control of exposure
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus for radiation diagnosis, e.g. combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/54—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/545—Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis involving automatic set-up of acquisition parameters
Abstract
Description
- Example aspects herein relate generally to obtaining radiological images, and, more particularly, to a method, system, apparatus, and computer program for performing a total body scan and reconstructing an image of a patient's entire body or an extensive portion thereof.
- Total body radiological imaging devices comprise a bed on which the patient is placed; a so-called gantry having a cavity in which the portion to be analyzed is inserted and suitable to perform the imaging of the patient; and a control station suitable to control the functioning of the device.
- In particular, the gantry comprises a source suitable to emit radiation on command, such as X-rays, and a detector suitable to receive the radiation after it has traversed the patient's body and to send a signal suitable to permit the visualization of the internal anatomy of the patient.
- Typically, given the need to visualize extensive parts of the body, the detector used is a flat panel sensor, said flat panel sensor having a particularly extensive detection surface, which in some cases exceeds 1600 cm<2>.
- For example, flat panel sensors may be a direct-conversion type, and comprise a panel suitable to receive X-rays emitted by the source and to produce a series of electric charges in response, a segmented matrix of TFT in amorphous silicon which receives the aforementioned electric charges, and an electronic reading system. Flat panel sensors also may be an indirect-conversion type, comprising a layer suitable to receive X-rays emitted by the source and to produce a series of light photons in response (e.g., by scintillation), a segmented matrix of photodetectors (e.g. TFT, CMOS, CCD, and the like) that convert the aforementioned light photons into electric charges, and an electronic reading system. When radiation has struck the entire flat panel sensor, the electronic reading system determines the quantity of electric charge received by each TFT segment in a direct-conversion flat panel sensor or the quantity of electric charge generated by each photodetector of an indirect- conversion type of flat panel sensor, and correspondingly generates a matrix of numbers which represent the digital image.
- However, flat panel sensors generally cannot absorb radiation continuously, owing to, for example, the particular interaction between the charges and the segmented matrix of TFT in amorphous silicon. Thus, in order to perform a total body scan of a patient's body, image acquisition of the patient's body is divided into a sequence of two- dimensional images, which are then reconstructed into a total body scan. In particular, reconstruction may require approximating the portions of the body located on edges between two successive images. Furthermore, other portions of the body may have to be reconstructed by approximation of a series of images of those portions. As a result, the use of flat panel sensors in this conventional manner results in poor quality radiological imaging, particularly in the case of total body scanning. Moreover, the quality of conventional total body scans is also reduced as a result of diffused, so-called parasitic radiation, formed by the interactions between X-rays and matter, which hits the detector and thus degrades the quality of the image. In order to reduce the incidence of parasitic radiation, conventional radiological imaging devices are often fitted with anti-diffusion grids composed of thin lead plates fixedly arranged parallel to each other so as to prevent the diffused rays from reaching the flat panel sensor.
- However, such grids are only partially effective in remedying the effects of parasitic radiation on image quality. Furthermore, the use of anti-diffusion grids imposes the use of a higher dose, thereby possibly increasing the danger of causing illness. Moreover, conventional radiological imaging devices are characterized by high production costs and a highly complex construction.
- Existing limitations associated with the foregoing, as well as other limitations, can be overcome by a method for operating a radiological imaging device, and by a system, apparatus, and computer program that operate in accordance with the method.
- In one example embodiment herein, a radiological imaging device comprises a gantry defining an analysis zone in which at least part of a patient is placed, a source suitable to emit radiation that passes through the at least part of the patient, the radiation defining a central axis of propagation, a detector suitable to receive the radiation, a translation mechanism adapted to translate the source and the detector in a direction of movement substantially perpendicular to the central axis of propagation, and a control unit. The control unit is adapted to acquire an image from data signals received continuously from the detector while the translation mechanism continuously translates the source emitting the radiation and the detector receiving the radiation, so as to scan the at least part of the patient.
- In another example embodiment herein, the detector includes at least one first linear sensor having a first sensitive surface and a second linear sensor having a second sensitive surface, wherein the sensitive surfaces are partially overlapping along the direction of movement. In some example embodiments herein, a superimposition zone corresponding to the overlapping of the sensitive surfaces is positioned substantially at the central axis of propagation.
- In some example embodiments herein, the detector includes an inversion unit adapted to rotate at least one of the first linear sensor and the second linear sensor. In a further example embodiment herein, the inversion unit rotates the at least one of the first linear sensor and the second linear sensor in relation to an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the central axis of propagation.
- In yet another example embodiment herein, the detector includes at least one flat panel sensor having a radiation sensitive surface and operable in at least a flat panel mode and a linear sensor mode.
- In an example embodiment herein, the radiological imaging device further comprises a bed suitable to support the patient and defining an axis of extension. Furthermore, in another example embodiment herein, the direction of movement is substantially parallel to the axis of extension defined by the bed.
- In an example embodiment herein, the translation mechanism includes a linear guide.
- In yet another example embodiment herein, the radiological imaging device further comprises a rotation mechanism adapted to rotate the source and the detector in relation to the axis of extension. In a further example embodiment herein, the rotation mechanism includes a permanent magnet rotor connected to the source and to the detector.
- In an example embodiment herein, the radiological imaging device further comprises a bed suitable to support the patient and defining an axis of extension; a rotation mechanism adapted to rotate the source and the detector in relation to the axis of extension; and at least one positioning laser mounted on the gantry that projects a positioning guidance marker onto the patient; wherein the control unit is adapted to configure, based on received information, at least one of an energy of the radiation and a radiation filter arranged to absorb at least a portion of the radiation before the radiation passes through the at least part of the patient, and wherein the detector includes at least one flat panel sensor having a radiation sensitive surface and operable in at least a flat panel mode and a linear sensor mode.
- The radiological imaging device can be useful for performing high quality total body scans with a reduced dosage of radiation. The radiological imaging device also can be constructed with reduced production costs and reduced complexity.
- Further features and advantages, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments herein, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- The characteristics of the example embodiments herein are clearly evident from the detailed descriptions thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
Fig. 1 illustrates a radiological imaging device. -
Fig. 2a illustrates a cross-section of an example embodiment of the radiological imaging device ofFig. 1 . -
Fig. 2b is a table showing predetermined relationships for configuring an X-ray source according to an example embodiment herein. -
Fig. 2c depicts a source subassembly of the imaging device ofFig. 1 according to an example embodiment herein. -
Fig. 3 a illustrates a detector subassembly of the imaging device ofFig. 1 according to an example embodiment herein. -
Fig. 3b illustrates a detector subassembly of the imaging device ofFig. 1 according to an example embodiment herein. -
Fig. 4 illustrates images acquired by the detector subassembly ofFigs. 3a and 3b . -
Fig. 5a illustrates a matrix mode of a flat panel sensor subassembly of the imaging device ofFig. 1 according to another example embodiment herein. [0029]Fig. 5b illustrates a linear sensor mode of a flat panel sensor subassembly of the imaging device ofFig. 1 according to another example embodiment herein. -
Fig. 6a illustrates a gantry subassembly, with a cut-away portion, according to an example embodiment of the radiological imaging device ofFig. 1 . -
Fig. 6b illustrates a perspective view of the gantry subassembly shown inFig. 6a . -
Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging procedure according to an example embodiment herein. -
Fig. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer system of the radiological imaging system shown inFig. 1 . - With reference to said drawings, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a radiological imaging device. In particular, the radiological imaging device 1 is useful in the medical/veterinary sphere to perform a graphic reconstruction of at least a portion of a patient's body. In one example embodiment herein, the radiological imaging device 1 is suitable to perform a total body scan, that is to say a graphic reconstruction of the whole body or of an extensive portion thereof.
-
Fig. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of the radiological imaging device 1. The radiological imaging device 1 comprises abed 20 suitable to support the patient in the correct position and defining a preferred direction ofextension 20a; agantry 30 defining ananalysis zone 30a in which at least part of the portion of the patient's body to be imaged is placed and defining a prevailing direction of development, preferably, substantially parallel to thedirection 20a; a load-bearing structure 40 suitable to support thebed 20 by way ofcolumns 52 and also suitable to support thegantry 30; acontrol unit 70 suitable to be placed in data transfer connection with the various components of the radiological imaging device 1 ; atranslation mechanism 50 suitable to move thegantry 30 in a direction ofmovement 50a; and a rotation mechanism 60 (shown inFig. 2a ) suitable to rotate thegantry 30 around the direction ofextension 20a. In one example embodiment, thecontrol unit 70 is mounted to the gantry 30 (as shown inFigs. 1 ,6a, and 6b ), although in other examples it can be housed in a stand-alone unit (not shown) such as, for example, a workstation cart, or may formed of multiple parts, such as a first part mounted to thegantry 30 and a second part housed in a stand-alone unit (not shown). These examples are merely illustrative in nature, and in other embodiments, thecontrol unit 70 can be located at other positions and locations besides those described above. - The
gantry 30 further comprises a source 31 (Fig. 2a ) suitable to emit, in theanalysis zone 30a, radiation defining a central axis ofpropagation 31a; adetector 32 facing theanalysis zone 30a so as to receive the radiation after it has traversed the patient's body; and ahousing 33 at least partially containing thesource 31 and thedetector 32. - Additionally, in a further example embodiment herein, the
gantry 30 further comprises a laser positioning system that includes at least onehorizontal laser 72 and at least one vertical laser 74 (Figs. 6a and 6b ). The foregoing subcomponents of the gantry will now be described in turn. - The
source 31 is suitable to emit, in a known manner, radiation capable of traversing the body of the patient and interacting with the tissues and fluids present inside said patient. In one example embodiment herein, thesource 31 emits, under control of thecontrol unit 70, ionizing radiation, and more particularly, X-rays defining a central axis ofpropagation 31a. -
Fig. 2c depicts thesource 31 of the radiological imaging device 1 ofFig. 1 , according to an example embodiment herein. - As represented in
Fig. 2a and shown inFig. 2c , in one example embodiment herein, anX-ray filter 76 can optionally be positioned in front of thesource 31, as represented inFig. 2a and shown inFig. 2c , and function to modify the energy distribution of the radiation emitted by thesource 31 along the axis ofpropagation 31a (e.g., by absorbing low power X-rays) prior to the X-rays traversing the patient (although source 21 also may be operated without an X-ray filter 76). TheX-ray filter 76 may comprise an aluminum and/or copper sheet (or any other material suitable for the absorption of radiation) of predetermined thickness. - In another example embodiment herein, a plurality of X-ray filters (not shown) are stored at different locations in the
gantry 30, each of the plurality of X-ray filters differing from others of the filters in terms of at least one of a type of material (such as an aluminum and/or copper sheet) or thickness. Thecontrol unit 70 can cause a motorized mechanism (not shown) provided within thegantry 30 to retrieve a selected X-ray filter (e.g., selected bycontrol unit 70 in a manner to be described further herein below) from storage and position the selected X-ray filter in front of thesource 31. - In a further example embodiment herein, the operator can operate
control unit 70 to input information, such as, for example and without limitation, a type of the imaging procedure selected to be performed (e.g., fluoroscopy, tomography, or radiography), a type of patient species, the patient's weight, and/or tissue type to be imaged, and cause thecontrol unit 70 to automatically configure the radiological imaging device 1 to use an optimal radiation dosage. In response, thecontrol unit 70 determines an X-ray emission energy from the source 31 (X-ray emission energy being a function of parameters including X-ray tube voltage, X-ray tube current, and exposure time) and/or a type ofX-ray filter 76 to employ, so that the radiological imaging device 1 can perform the selected imaging procedure with an X-ray dosage that is safe for the patient, as well as the operator, while maintaining optimal image quality. - For example, the
control unit 70 can perform the aforementioned determination of X-ray emission energy and/or select an X-ray filter type based on predetermined relationships (e.g., defined in accordance with look-up table(s), conditional statement algorithm(s), and/or mathematical formula(s) implemented oncontrol unit 70, although these examples are not limiting) between the patient information, the radiological imaging procedure selected to be performed, the X-ray emission energy, and the materials and thicknesses of the X-ray filters available in the plurality of X-ray filters located inside the gantry. Examples of such predetermined relationships are shown in the table ofFig. 2b . - As but one non-limiting example, if an operator specifies as input (by way of control unit 70) that high resolution tomography is to be performed on hard tissues (e.g., a thorax region), the
control unit 70 determines, via a look up table, for example, that the aforementioned input correlates to operating parameters for thesource 31 of 100 kV and 60 mA for 5 ms and anX-ray filter 76 of a type comprising a 3 mm thick sheet of aluminum together with a 0.2 mm thick sheet of copper (seeFig. 2b ). As another example, if an operator specifies (by way of the control unit 70) that high resolution tomography is to be performed on soft tissues (e.g., an abdominal region), thecontrol unit 70 determines, via a look-up table, for example, that that input correlates to operating parameters for thesource 31 of 60 kV and 60 mA for 10 ms and anX-ray filter 76 of a type comprising a 2 mm thick sheet of aluminum (seeFig. 2b ). - In yet another example embodiment herein, the
source 31 is selectably configured (e.g., by control unit 70) to emit either a cone-shaped beam of radiation or a fan-shaped beam of radiation, by configuring the shape of anadjustable diaphragm 78. Theadjustable diaphragm 78, shown inFig. 2c , comprises at least twomovable plates plates control unit 70. When theadjustable diaphragm 78 is configured in the open configuration, radiation from thesource 31 is not blocked and emits along the axis ofpropagation 31a in the shape of a cone. When theadjustable diaphragm 78 is configured as a slit, a portion of the radiation of thesource 31 is blocked, and thus radiation emits along the axis ofpropagation 31a in the shape of a fan (i.e., a cross- section of the cone-shaped radiation) oriented perpendicularly to the direction ofextension 20a. Thus, in one example embodiment herein, an operator may configure thesource 31 to emit either a cone-shaped beam or a fan-shaped beam by virtue of theadjustable diaphragm 78, and perform different types of imaging with the radiological imaging device 1, such as, for example, cone beam tomography or fan beam tomography, respectively. - The laser positioning system (including horizontal laser(s) 72 and vertical laser(s) 74 mounted in the gantry 30), when activated on the
control unit 70, projects visual markers onto the patient in order to facilitate positioning of the patient on thebed 20, and more particularly, within theanalysis zone 30a. In particular, in one example embodiment herein, the laser positioning system is used in conjunction with an adjustable bed (serving as bed 20), according to one or more of the example embodiments described in U.S. - Provisional Patent Application Nos.
61/932,034 61/944,956 Figs. 6a and 6b , which illustrate agantry 20 according to an example embodiment of the radiological imaging device illustrated inFig. 1 , the laser positioning system includes at least onehorizontal laser 72, which projects horizontalvisual markers 73 to aid the operator in adjusting the height and inclination of the patient with respect to thegantry 30, and/or at least onevertical laser 74, which projects a top-down marker 75 to aid the operator in adjusting the lateral centering of the patient with respect to thegantry 30. The operator adjusts the position of the patient by observing the position of the patient with respect to the projectedlaser markers analysis zone 30a, and then, for example, manually repositioning the patient on thebed 20 or by adjusting controls on the aforementioned adjustable bed (not shown inFigs. 6a and 6b ) until the patient is deemed by the operator to be in the correct position for imaging. [0045] Referring again toFig. 2a , thedetector 32 will now be described. Thedetector 32 is suitable for detecting radiation emitted bysource 31 and, in response thereto, outputting corresponding data signals to thecontrol unit 70 at a particular frame rate. Thecontrol unit 70, in turn, processes the data signals to acquire images. As will be described further herein below, thedetector 32 may include either at least one linear sensor (e.g., such as two linear sensors, as illustrated inFigs. 3a and 3b ) or at least one flat panel sensor capable of operating in a linear sensor mode (Figs. 5a and 5b ). - In one example embodiment herein, the
detector 32 comprises at least one linear sensor defining a sensitive surface (not shown), that is to say, a surface suitable to detect the radiation emitted by thesource 31. - In another example embodiment herein, and with reference to
Figs. 2a ,3a, and 3b , thedetector 32 comprises at least a firstlinear sensor 32a defining a firstsensitive surface 32b, and a secondlinear sensor 32c defining a secondsensitive surface 32d. Thesensitive surfaces source 31. In one example embodiment herein, the secondsensitive surface 32d is substantially coplanar with the firstsensitive surface 32b, although this example is non-limiting. - Preferably, the
linear sensors - As shown in
Figs. 3a and 3b , thesensors sensitive surfaces propagation 31a. More precisely, they are positioned so that at least a portion of the firstsensitive surface 32b and at least a portion of the secondsensitive surface 32d overlap in the direction ofmovement 50a, so that when thetranslation mechanism 50 moves thedetector 32 along saidmovement direction 50a, the radiation traversing a defined portion of body hits such portions of thesensitive surfaces first surface 32b to that of the second 32d). The aforementioned overlapping portions of thesensitive surfaces propagation 31a. - In particular, the
linear sensors sensitive surfaces movement 50a, overlapping so that the fraction of thesensitive surfaces gantry 30 is moved bytranslation mechanism 50 is substantially less than 30% and particularly, substantially less than 20%, and more particularly, substantially less than 10%. - A high quality image can be generated from two separate
linear sensors Fig. 4. Fig. 4 illustrates a representation of a first image "A" acquired by thefirst sensor 32a and a second image "B" acquired by thesecond sensor 32c. The images "A" and "B" partially overlap in a region "AB" where the first andsecond sensors - Edge effects that may cause image degradation in corresponding edge regions of acquired images are minimized by virtue of reconstructing a single image from the overlapping images "A" and "B" according to an example embodiment herein. For example, the
control unit 70 can reconstruct an image by combining portions of images "A" and "B", including a portion of image "A" that overlaps an edge ofsensor 32c and a portion of image "B" that overlaps an edge ofsensor 32a, but excluding a portion of image "B" that corresponds to the edge ofsensor 32c and portion of image "A" that corresponds to the edge ofsensor 32a (i.e., excluding those portions where images "A" and "B" may manifest undesirable edge effects of the first andsecond sensors - Accordingly, the radiological image device 1 is capable of reconstructing an image from two linear sensors while minimizing edge effects or other reconstruction errors resulting from the edges of the
sensors - Referring again to
Figs. 2a ,3a, and 3b , the example embodiment ofdetector 32 usinglinear sensors inversion unit 32e suitable to rotate at least one of thelinear sensors propagation 31a, so as to invert the direction of reading. In particular, theinversion unit 32e simultaneously rotates bothsensors propagation 31a, for example, by an angle substantially equal to 180° so as to invert the order of thelinear sensors movement 50a as shown inFigs. 3a and 3b . - Alternatively, the
inversion unit 32e can move thesensors inversion unit 32e moves the firstlinear sensor 32a by means of a roto-translational movement, that is, more precisely, a translational movement along a direction ofmovement 50a, and a rotational movement about an axis of rotation parallel to thecentral axis 31 a of an angle substantially equal to 180°. Practically simultaneously to said roto-translational movement of the firstlinear sensor 32a, theinversion unit 32e rotates the secondlinear sensor 32c about an axis of rotation separate from the axis of rotation of the firstlinear sensor 32a and substantially parallel to theaxis 31a. Alternatively, theinversion unit 32e roto-translates the secondlinear sensor 32c along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the roto-translation of the firstlinear sensor 32a. - Another example embodiment of the
detector 32 will now be described. In this embodiment, thedetector 32 comprises at least oneflat panel sensor 32f (as shown inFigs. 5a and 5b ), that includes an array of pixels and is capable of operating in a selected one of multiple independent read-out modes, selectable bycontrol unit 70, including at least a matrix mode (Fig. 5a ) and a linear sensor mode (Fig. 5b ). - In the matrix mode (
Fig. 5a ), theflat panel sensor 32f outputs, to controlunit 70, signals corresponding to radiation detected by pixels in a region ofsensitive surface 32g. In one example embodiment herein, thesensitive surface 32g is substantially coextensive with the entire array of pixels of theflat panel sensor 32f. - In the linear sensor mode (
Fig. 5b ), theflat panel sensor 32f outputs, to controlunit 70, signals corresponding to radiation detected by the subset of pixels in a region ofsensitive surface 32h. Thesensitive surface 32h functions effectively as a linear sensor (e.g., in a manner similar tolinear sensors sensitive surface 32h has a frame rate in the range of approximately 50 frames per second to approximately 300 frames per second and has a width that is substantially greater than its length, its length being defined in a direction substantially parallel todirection 50a and its width being defined substantially perpendicular to the direction ofmovement 50a and the central axis ofpropagation 31a. - The pixel array size of
sensitive surfaces flat panel sensor 32f in hardware, firmware, software, or other means by which theflat panel sensor 32f may be controlled. - In particular, in one example embodiment herein, the
flat panel sensor 32f may be a Hamamatsu model CI 1701DK-40 flat panel sensor, which can operate in a matrix mode that provides asensitive surface 32g, having a 1096 x 888 array of pixels or a 2192 x 1776 array of pixels, and can also separately operate in a linear sensor mode that provides asensitive surface 32h, having a 1816 x 60 array of pixels. Additionally, theflat panel sensor 32f can be mounted on apanel motion system 35 that includes guides 34 and a motorized translation mechanism 36 (Figs. 5a and 5b ). Thepanel motion system 35 is suitable for moving theflat panel sensor 32f along anaxis 38, which is substantially perpendicular to both the gantry direction ofmovement 50a and the central axis ofpropagation 31a. In particular, theaxis 38 is also parallel to the width of thesensitive surface 32h when theflat panel sensor 32f is operating in the linear sensor mode. Accordingly, owing to thepanel motion system 35, theflat panel sensor 32f can be operated to acquire a plurality of scans, each at different but overlapping locations along the axis 38 (although this example is non-limiting), as will be described further herein below with reference to the procedures described inFig. 7 . - Having described various example embodiments of the
detector 32, thetranslation mechanism 50 androtation mechanism 60 of the radiological imaging device 1 will now be discussed, with reference toFig. 1 . - The
translation mechanism 50 is suitable to translate, at the same time, at least thedetector 32 and thesource 31 and, in particular, theentire gantry 30, in relation to the load-bearing structure 40 along the direction ofmovement 50a, so as to permit the radiological imaging device 1 to perform radiological imaging over practically the entire extension of thebed 20 and therefore the patient. In particular, the direction ofmovement 50a is substantially perpendicular to the central axis ofpropagation 31a, and more particularly, substantially parallel to the preferred direction ofextension 20a. Thetranslation mechanism 50 comprises alinear guide 51 positioned between thegantry 30 and the load-bearing structure 40 and acarriage 53, attached to thegantry 30, suitable to slide along thelinear guide 51. In an example embodiment herein, thelinear guide 51 may be a motorized linear guide or, more specifically, an electric motorized linear guide. Preferably, thetranslation mechanism 50 is able to move thegantry 30 and, therefore, thedetector 32 and thesource 31, at a speed, for example, in the range of approximately 2.5 meters per second to approximately 100 meters per second. Additionally, the translation of thegantry 30 by thetranslation mechanism 50 can be controlled by thecontrol unit 70. In addition to thetranslation mechanism 50, the radiological imaging device 1 comprises a rotation mechanism 60 (Fig. 2a ) suitable to rotate thesource 31 and thedetector 32 with respect to an axis substantially parallel to the direction ofmovement 50a and, in detail, substantially coincident to said preferred direction ofextension 20a. Therotation mechanism 60 is housed inside thegantry 30 and, in particular, inside thehousing 33 so as to rotate thesource 31 and thedetector 32 in relation to saidhousing 33. In one example embodiment, therotation mechanism 60 comprises arotor 61, such as a permanent magnet rotor, to which thesource 31 and thedetector 32 are connected; and astator 62 integrally connected to thehousing 33 and suitable to emit a magnetic field controlling the rotation of therotor 61, and thereby, of thesource 31 and thedetector 32. Operation of therotation mechanism 60 can be controlled bycontrol unit 70. -
Fig. 8 illustrates a block diagram of acomputer system 80. In one example embodiment herein, at least some components of thecomputer system 80 can form or be included in theaforementioned control unit 70, andcomputer system 80 is electrically connected to other components of the radiological imaging device 1 (such as, for example, thesource 31, thedetector 32, thegantry 30, and any subcomponents thereof) by way of communications interface 98 (mentioned below). Thecomputer system 80 includes at least one computer processor 82 (also referred to as a "controller"). Thecomputer processor 82 may include, for example, a central processing unit, a multiple processing unit, an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), a field programmable gate array ("FPGA"), or the like. Theprocessor 82 is connected to a communication infrastructure 84 (e.g., a communications bus, a cross-over bar device, or a network). Although various embodiments are described herein in terms of thisexemplary computer system 80, after reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the invention using other computer systems and/or architectures. - The
computer system 80 may also include adisplay unit 86 for displaying video graphics, text, and other data provided from thecommunication infrastructure 84. In one example embodiment herein, thedisplay unit 86 can form or be included in thecontrol unit 70. - The
computer system 80 also includes aninput unit 88 that can be used by the operator to send information to thecomputer processor 82. For example, theinput unit 88 can include a keyboard device and/or a mouse device or other input device(s). In one example, thedisplay unit 86, theinput unit 88, and thecomputer processor 82 can collectively form a user interface. - In an example embodiment that includes a touch screen, for example, the
input unit 88 and thedisplay unit 86 can be combined. In such an embodiment, an operator touching thedisplay unit 86 can cause corresponding signals to be sent from thedisplay unit 86 to a processor such asprocessor 82, for example. - In addition, the
computer system 80 includes amain memory 90, which preferably is a random access memory ("RAM"), and also may include asecondary memory 92. Thesecondary memory 92 can include, for example, ahard disk drive 94 and/or a removable storage drive 96 (e.g., a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory drive, and the like) capable of reading from and writing to a corresponding removable storage medium, in a known manner. The removable storage medium can be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer- executable software instructions and/or data. - The
computer system 80 also can include a communications interface 98 (such as, for example, a modem, a network interface (e.g., an Ethernet card), a communications port (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus ("USB") port or a FireWire® port), and the like) that enables software and data to be transferred between thecomputer system 80 and external devices. For example, thecommunications interface 98 may be used to transfer software or data between thecomputer system 80 and a remote server or cloud-based storage (not shown). Additionally, thecommunication interface 98 may be used to transfer data and commands between the computer system 80 (serving as control unit 70) to other components of the radiological imaging device 1 (such as, for example, thesource 31, thedetector 32, thegantry 30, and any subcomponents thereof). - One or more computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in the
main memory 90 and/or the secondary memory 92 (i.e., the removable-storage drive 96 and/or the hard disk drive 94). The computer programs also can be loaded into thecomputer system 80 via thecommunications interface 98. The computer programs include computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the controller/computer processor 82, cause thecomputer system 80 to perform the procedures described herein and shown in at leastFig. 7 , for example. Accordingly, the computer programs can control thecontrol unit 70 and other components (e.g., thesource 31, thedetector 32, thegantry 30, and any subcomponents thereof) of the radiological imaging device 1. - A procedure for imaging at least a portion of a patient using the radiological imaging device that was described above in a structural sense, will now be further described in conjunction with
Fig. 7 . The process starts in Step S702. - Initially, in Step S704, the operator places the patient on the
bed 20. In one example embodiment herein, the operator activates the laser positioning system (comprisinglasers Figs. 6a and 6b ), which projects horizontalvisual markers 73 to assist the operator in adjusting the height and inclination of the patient with respect to thegantry 30, and/or projects a top-down marker 75 to assist the operator in laterally adjusting the patient with respect to thegantry 30. - Also in Step S704, the operator operates the
control unit 70 to specify imaging parameters, such as the portion of body on which to perform a total body scan (also referred to as the zone to be imaged) and, in particular, the inclination of the central axis ofpropagation 31a and the travel of thegantry 30, that is to say the advancement of thegantry 30 along the preferred direction ofextension 20a. The operator also may operate thecontrol unit 70 to input patient information (e.g., species, weight, and/or tissue type to be imaged), and may further command thecontrol unit 70 to automatically configure the radiological imaging device 1 to select an appropriate radiation dose based on the patient information, in the above described manner. - Then, in Step S706, the
control unit 70 responds to the aforementioned operator specified imaging parameters and controls therotation mechanism 60 so as to rotate thesource 31 and thedetector 32 in order to orient the central axis ofpropagation 31a in relation to thebed 20, and therefore to the patient. Additionally, if the operator commanded thecontrol unit 70 to automatically configure the radiological imaging device 1 to use an appropriate radiation dose in Step S704, thecontrol unit 70 configures theX-ray source 31 and theX-ray filter 76 in the manner described above, so as to be prepared to provide such a dosage. Once the central axis of propagation has reached the desired inclination, scanning commences in Step S708. - Step S708 will now be described. During scanning in Step S708, the
translation mechanism 50 moves thegantry 30 along the preferred direction ofextension 20a so that thesource 31 and thedetector 32 translate together in relation to thebed 20 and to the patient, thereby permitting the radiation to scan the entire zone to be imaged. - Simultaneously to the aforementioned translation action, the
source 31 emits radiation, which, after traversing the patient's body, is detected by thedetector 32, which in turn sends a suitable signal to thecontrol unit 70. - The manner in which Step S708 is performed in a case where the
detector 32 comprises twolinear sensors gantry 30 advances in the direction ofmovement 50a, thesource 31 emits radiation, which, after traversing the patient's body, hits the firstsensitive surface 32b and, practically simultaneously, hits the secondsensitive surface 32d. More particularly, each part of the portion of the body being scanned is first scanned by the portion of thefirst surface 32b corresponding to thefirst sensor 32a part in contact with thesecond sensor 32c, and subsequently, is scanned by the portion of thesecond surface 32d adjacent to the previous portion. Thelinear sensors control unit 70, which thus receives a single signal for the zone to be imaged and processes the signal to acquire an image of the scanned part of the patient. - In some situations, the operator may have selected, in Step S704, a direction of translation of the
gantry 30 for imaging that is a reverse direction relative to the orientation of thesensors sensors source 31 is controlled to emit radiation, radiation is first detected by thesecond sensor 32c before being detected by thefirst sensor 32a (see, for example,Fig. 3b ). In order to acquire the data output in a non-reverse order, in a further example embodiment herein, performing Step S708 using thelinear sensors inversion unit 32e, either manually by the operator or automatically by thecontrol unit 70, so as to rotate thesensors propagation 31a. By virtue of the preliminary substep, the order of thesensors movement 50a so that radiation would first be detected by thefirst sensor 32a prior to being detected by thesecond sensor 32c (see, for example,Fig. 3a in comparison toFig. 3b ). - Having described scanning in Step S708 using the
linear sensors detector 32 comprises aflat panel sensor 32f (versussensors sensitive surface 32h (Fig. 5b ) will now be described. - During a scan, the
source 31 continuously emits radiation, which traverses the patient's body and hits thesensitive surface 32h offlat panel sensor 32f. As thegantry 30 advances in the direction ofmovement 50a, theflat panel sensor 32f detects radiation during such movement and sends corresponding signals to thecontrol unit 70. Accordingly, thecontrol unit 70 receives a signal for the entire zone to be imaged and processes the signal to acquire an image of the scanned part of the patient. - Additionally, if desired by the operator, one or more additional scans may be performed. For each additional scan, the
flat panel sensor 32f can be translated alongaxis 38 by the panel motion system 35 (under control of control unit 70) to a new position that partially overlaps the position of theflat panel sensor 32f in a previous scan, and more particularly, the immediately preceding scan. Then, a further scanning procedure is performed in the manner described above, that is, thegantry 30 advances in the direction ofmovement 50a while thesource 31 emits radiation and theflat panel sensor 32f continuously outputs a signal to thecontrol unit 70. In this manner, a plurality of scans can be acquired, each scan being as wide as thesensitive surface 32h and as long as the travel ofgantry 30 along the direction ofmovement 50a. The plurality of scans is then provided to thecontrol unit 70 for graphic reconstruction in Step S710. - Next, in Step S710, the
control unit 70 carries out the graphic reconstruction of the zone being imaged using the readings performed by thedetector 32. In the example embodiment wheredetector 32 comprises twolinear sensors second detectors Fig. 4 . - In the example embodiment where
detector 32 comprisesflat panel sensor 32f operating in the linear sensor mode, the plurality of scans acquired in Step S708 byflat panel sensor 32f operating in the linear sensor mode can be reconstructed into one overall image in a manner that minimizes edge effects in overlapping regions of the plurality of images, similar to the manner of reconstruction discussed above with respect to the twolinear sensors Fig. 4 ). Thus, by virtue of thepanel motion system 35, theflat panel sensor 32f can provide an overall radiological image that is wider than thesensitive surface 32h. - The process ends at step S712. The operator may repeat the process or a portion thereof to acquire additional scans, as desired.
- In view of the foregoing description, it can be appreciated that at least some example embodiments described herein provide a radiological imaging device 1 that produces high quality total body scan images.
- In fact, the use of the
linear sensors flat panel sensor 32f functioning as a linear sensor, together with thetranslation mechanism 50, makes it possible to perform continuous data acquisition and, consequently, to innovatively obtain a reconstruction based on a continuous scan of the portion of the body analyzed, rather than by the approximation from a number of discrete two-dimensional images, as is the case with the prior art radiological imaging devices. Additionally, by virtue of the partial superimposition of thelinear sensors detector 32 using those sensors, it is possible to obtain alow cost detector 32 with a considerably extensive effective sensitive surface, being defined by the combination of thesurfaces detector 32 employing theflat panel sensor 32f, by virtue of mounting theflat panel sensor 32f on thepanel motion system 35, it is possible to capture high quality images that are larger than theflat panel sensor 32f. Furthermore, the radiological imaging device 1 exposes the patient and operator to a reduced dosage relative to the case of prior art systems. In particular, the use of thelinear sensors flat panel sensor 32f functioning as a linear sensor makes it possible to not use the anti-diffusion grids and thereby, to reduce the necessary intensity of the radiation emitted by thesource 31. - According to at least some example embodiments herein, the radiological imaging device makes it possible to further limit the patient's exposure to radiation. As described above, total body imaging with a flat panel sensor that conventionally has to overlap a number of two-dimensional images may irradiate some parts of the body twice or more. As a result, the patient is exposed to a conspicuous amount of radiation. In contrast to such conventional methods, scanning with radiological imaging device 1 can be performed with a reduced emission of radiation by virtue of the use of a
detector 32 comprisinglinear sensors flat panel sensor 32f functioning as a linear sensor, and continuously translating thedetector 32 along the direction ofmovement 50a without overlapping any part of the body in the course of a single scan. - Moreover, in the example embodiment where
detector 32 comprises twolinear sensors inversion unit 32e makes it possible to carry out radiological imaging in both sliding directions of thegantry 30 along the direction ofmovement 50a by permitting inversion of the order of thelinear sensors direction 50a. - Also, by virtue of the radiological imaging device 1, it is possible to perform total body scanning at 360° and along the entire length of the
bed 20. - The various embodiments described above have been presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein (e.g., different hardware, communications protocols, materials, shapes and dimensions) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
- In addition, it should be understood that the attached drawings, which highlight functionality described herein, are presented as illustrative examples. The architecture of the present invention is sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it can be utilized (and navigated) in ways other than that shown in the drawings. Further, the purpose of the appended Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the relevant art(s), who are not familiar with patent or legal terms and/or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical subject matter disclosed herein. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present invention in any way.
Claims (15)
- A radiological imaging device (1) comprising:• a gantry (30) defining an analysis zone (30a) in which at least part of a patient is placed;• a source (31) suitable to emit radiation that passes through the at least part of the patient, the radiation defining a central axis of propagation (31a);• a detector (32) suitable to receive the radiation;• a translation mechanism (50) adapted to translate the source (31) and the detector (32) in a direction of movement (50a) substantially perpendicular to the central axis of propagation (31a);• and a control unit (70) adapted to acquire an image from data signals received continuously from the detector (32) while the translation mechanism (50) continuously translates the source (31) emitting the radiation and the detector (32) receiving the radiation, so as to scan the at least part of the patient.
- The radiological imaging device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the translation mechanism (50) includes a linear guide (51).
- The radiological imaging device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a bed (20) suitable to support the patient and defining an axis of extension (20a).
- The radiological imaging device (1) according to claim 3, further comprising a rotation mechanism (60) adapted to rotate the source (31) and the detector (32) in relation to the axis of extension (20a).
- The radiological imaging device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the rotation mechanism (60) includes a permanent magnet rotor connected to the source (31) and to the detector (32).
- The radiological imaging device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the detector (32) includes a first linear sensor (32a) and a second linear sensor (32c) an inversion unit (32e) adapted to rotate at least one of the first linear sensor (32a) and the second linear sensor (32c).
- The radiological imaging device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising• a bed (20) suitable to support the patient and defining an axis of extension (20a);• a rotation mechanism (60) adapted to rotate the source (31) and the detector (32) in relation to the axis of extension (20a); and• at least one positioning laser (72, 74) mounted on the gantry (30) that projects a positioning guidance marker onto the patient,• wherein the control unit (70) is adapted to configure, based on received information, at least one of an energy of the radiation and a radiation filter arranged to absorb at least a portion of the radiation before the radiation passes through the at least part of the patient, and• wherein the detector (32) includes at least one flat panel sensor (32f) having a radiation sensitive surface and operable in at least a flat panel mode and a linear sensor mode.
- A method of acquiring a radiological image of at least part of a patient placed in a gantry (30), the method comprising:• causing a source (31) to emit radiation that passes through the at least part of the patient, the radiation defining a central axis of propagation (31a);• receiving the radiation at a detector (32);• outputting data signals from the detector (32) to a control unit (70);• continuously translating the source (31) and the detector (32) in a direction of movement (50a) substantially perpendicular to the central axis of propagation (31a); and acquiring, at the control unit (70), an image from data signals received continuously from the detector (32) while the translation mechanism (50) continuously translates the source (31) emitting the radiation and the detector (32) receiving the radiation, so as to scan the at least part of the patient.
- The method according to claim 8, wherein the detector (32) includes at least one flat panel sensor (32f) and having a radiation sensitive surface and operable in at least a flat panel mode and a linear sensor mode.
- The method according to claim 8, further comprising providing a bed (20) suitable to support the patient, wherein the bed (20) defines an axis of extension (20a).
- The method according to claim 7, wherein the translation mechanism (50) includes a linear guide (51).
- The method according to claim 9, further comprising rotating the source (31) and the detector (32) in relation to the axis of extension (20a).
- The method according to claim 12, wherein the rotating the source (31) and the detector (32) is performed by a rotation mechanism (60) that includes a permanent magnet rotor connected to the source (31) and to the detector (32).
- The method according to claim 8, wherein the detector (32) includes a first linear sensor (32a) and a second linear sensor (32c) ; and the method further compries rotating at least one of the first linear sensor (32a) and the second linear sensor (32c) in relation to an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the central axis of propagation (31a).
- The method according to claim 8 further comprising• projecting onto the patient at least one positioning guidance marker from at least one positioning laser (72, 74) mounted on the gantry (30);• positioning the patient on a bed (20) suitable to support the patient and defining an axis of extension (20a);• rotating the source (31) and the detector (32) in relation to the axis of extension (20a); and configuring, based on information received at the control unit, at least one of an energy of the radiation and a radiation filter arranged to absorb at least a portion of the radiation before the radiation passes through the at least part of the patient,• wherein the detector (32) includes at least one flat panel sensor (32f) and having a radiation sensitive surface and operable in at least a flat panel mode and a linear sensor mode.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20200211.9A EP3912557A1 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2015-01-15 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201461932028P | 2014-01-27 | 2014-01-27 | |
US14/323,808 US9510793B2 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2014-07-03 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
PCT/US2015/011628 WO2015112425A2 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2015-01-15 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
EP15739891.8A EP3099238B1 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2015-01-15 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15739891.8A Division-Into EP3099238B1 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2015-01-15 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
EP15739891.8A Division EP3099238B1 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2015-01-15 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20200211.9A Division EP3912557A1 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2015-01-15 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3494890A2 true EP3494890A2 (en) | 2019-06-12 |
EP3494890A3 EP3494890A3 (en) | 2019-08-21 |
Family
ID=53682112
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18203695.4A Withdrawn EP3494890A3 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2015-01-15 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
EP20200211.9A Pending EP3912557A1 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2015-01-15 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
EP15739891.8A Active EP3099238B1 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2015-01-15 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20200211.9A Pending EP3912557A1 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2015-01-15 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
EP15739891.8A Active EP3099238B1 (en) | 2014-01-27 | 2015-01-15 | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (3) | EP3494890A3 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106413558B (en) |
ES (1) | ES2754325T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015112425A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN108175434A (en) * | 2018-01-10 | 2018-06-19 | 朱锐 | A kind of CT actinoscopies rotated detection device |
EP4079226A1 (en) * | 2021-04-21 | 2022-10-26 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Planning of wide-coverage axial ct scans |
Family Cites Families (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4179100A (en) * | 1977-08-01 | 1979-12-18 | University Of Pittsburgh | Radiography apparatus |
JPH07114768B2 (en) * | 1987-04-22 | 1995-12-13 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | X-ray diagnostic device |
GB2278765A (en) * | 1993-06-03 | 1994-12-07 | Eev Ltd | Imaging arrangements |
DE19905975A1 (en) * | 1999-02-12 | 2000-09-07 | Siemens Ag | Computer tomography apparatus with multi-line detector system |
EP1062913A1 (en) * | 1999-06-25 | 2000-12-27 | DDI Direct Digital Imaging GmbH | Digital scanning and photographic imaging X-ray system |
JP3208426B2 (en) * | 1999-09-14 | 2001-09-10 | 経済産業省産業技術総合研究所長 | Method and apparatus for measuring moving object speed and high resolution information by high-speed X-ray CT |
JP3854244B2 (en) * | 2003-05-16 | 2006-12-06 | 株式会社東芝 | Permanent magnet motor and X-ray computed tomography apparatus |
US7481578B2 (en) * | 2006-09-18 | 2009-01-27 | Cartstream Health, Inc. | Digital radiography apparatus |
US8100584B2 (en) * | 2009-10-21 | 2012-01-24 | General Electric Company | Voltage measurement in an imaging system |
EP2566390B1 (en) * | 2010-05-06 | 2015-03-25 | EOS Imaging | Imaging apparatus and method |
JP5782525B2 (en) * | 2010-11-27 | 2015-09-24 | アイシイアールシイオー・インコーポレーテッド | Computer tomography and tomosynthesis system |
CN202568283U (en) * | 2012-04-13 | 2012-12-05 | 杭州美诺瓦医疗科技有限公司 | Scanning type digital X-ray machine using multiple sensors |
CN202982022U (en) * | 2012-12-27 | 2013-06-12 | 清华大学 | Combined-type X-ray medical image system |
-
2015
- 2015-01-15 EP EP18203695.4A patent/EP3494890A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2015-01-15 ES ES15739891T patent/ES2754325T3/en active Active
- 2015-01-15 CN CN201580006171.8A patent/CN106413558B/en active Active
- 2015-01-15 WO PCT/US2015/011628 patent/WO2015112425A2/en active Application Filing
- 2015-01-15 EP EP20200211.9A patent/EP3912557A1/en active Pending
- 2015-01-15 EP EP15739891.8A patent/EP3099238B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ES2754325T3 (en) | 2020-04-17 |
WO2015112425A3 (en) | 2015-10-22 |
EP3099238A2 (en) | 2016-12-07 |
EP3099238B1 (en) | 2019-09-11 |
CN106413558B (en) | 2020-10-09 |
EP3494890A3 (en) | 2019-08-21 |
CN106413558A (en) | 2017-02-15 |
EP3912557A1 (en) | 2021-11-24 |
EP3099238A4 (en) | 2018-05-09 |
WO2015112425A2 (en) | 2015-07-30 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10973484B2 (en) | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors | |
EP3100072B1 (en) | Radiological imaging device with improved functioning | |
US11369323B2 (en) | Radiological imaging device with improved functionality | |
US10039508B2 (en) | Rolling yoke mount for an intra-oral 3D X-ray system | |
EP1848985B1 (en) | Multiple mode flat panel x-ray imaging system | |
JP5123702B2 (en) | Radiation CT system | |
JP4537129B2 (en) | System for scanning objects in tomosynthesis applications | |
EP3099238B1 (en) | Radiological imaging device with advanced sensors | |
US10390789B2 (en) | Two-dimensional X-ray detector, cone-beam CT apparatus and method using region-of-interest | |
KR101501101B1 (en) | Radiation imaging apparatus, computed tomography and method for obtaining radiation image | |
US20220151572A1 (en) | Cone-beam computed tomography with continuous kv beam acquisition |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AC | Divisional application: reference to earlier application |
Ref document number: 3099238 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: P |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: G06K 9/00 20060101ALI20190716BHEP Ipc: A61B 6/03 20060101AFI20190716BHEP Ipc: H05G 1/00 20060101ALI20190716BHEP |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20190724 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20200609 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20201020 |